Five Keys for the Oakland Raiders to Beat the Houston Texans

The Oakland Raiders head to Houston this Sunday to take on the first place Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Houston (3-1) is coming off a 17-10 win over Pittsburgh last week, while the Raiders (2-2) were disappointing last week in a home loss to the Patriots. Here are five keys to the Raiders upsetting the Texans.

Jason Campbell Has to Avoid Critical Interceptions

Jason Campbell was 25-for-39 with a touchdown last week vs. New England. But his two interceptions, one of which came in the end zone, really destroyed the Raiders ability to get back into the game. Campbell doesn't have to win the game for Oakland, but they need him to minimize the mistakes.

Darren McFadden Has to Continue to Run Like an MVP

Darren McFadden is having a breakout season. The NFL leader in rushing, McFadden is the heart of the Raiders offense. He will be facing Houston's 18th ranked run defense on Sunday, giving up an average of 108.8 yards per game. McFadden has to exploit this average defense if the Raiders have any hope of winning.

Raiders Run Defense Has to Step Up

Houston's Arian Foster had a huge day last week, torching the Steelers for 155 yards and a touchdown. The Raiders run defense is ranked 29th in the NFL, averaging 136 yards per game surrendered on the ground. This spells trouble for Oakland unless their run stoppers step up.

Defensive Backs: No Excuses

Houston's dynamic receiver, Andre Johnson, is injured and will not play Sunday. QB Matt Schaub will have a combination of Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter starting at wide receiver against Oakland.

Although the Raider secondary is banged up, with CBs Chris Johnson and Chimdi Chekwa and Safety Michael Huff all questionable to play, they're not facing Johnson. They need to shut down Houston's receivers if the Raiders are going to have a chance to win.

Stupid Penalties Kill

The Raiders were penalized nine times for 85 yards last week vs. New England. Richard Seymour was especially guilty, committing two key penalties that prolonged an eventual scoring drive by the Pats. The Raiders have to be more disciplined this week.